So, while the Government already has a roadmap for its ICJ education campaign and the referendum date,
What will be done about the effect that the referendum had in Guatemala? As we've told you both the Friends for Conservation and Development and the BDF have confirmed that the "yes" vote in that country have caused an increase in Guatemalan incursions into the South Cebada area of the Chiquibul.
The FCD says that they've seen an increase in clearings, surveyed plots and farms being set up by Guatemalans in the Chiquibul. Rogue leaders on that side of the border have been misleading residents of Guatemalan border communities, and encouraging these incursions into Belizean territory.
The Prime Minister said today that as far as he knows, there is dialog with the conservation, law enforcement, and Government counterparts in Guatemala who try to discourage such incursions, and that the BDF will do more to prevent incursions:
Reporter
"Is there more that can be done, perhaps discussion with our counterparts in Guatemala to try and get their people in line because FCD is talking about people going rouge?"
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister
"Well, as far as I know, that happens and there is no lack of willingness on the part of our counterparts to attempt to dissuade their people from the encroachments. No doubt, they could do more, as we could do more. They don't have the excuse that we have in terms of an acute shortage of resources given the size of the terrain that has to be covered and policed but even with their resources that exist on a much grander scale, I am sure it is not the easiest thing in the world. So, I would content myself with saying that I am happy that the Belize Defense Force has indicated that an effort will be made to step-up things and I am sure that that initiative will mean that they will seek greater cooperation with their counterparts."
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